Sangdi Zhou

Dancer / China

About

Dr. Sangdi Zhou is currently a PhD candidate in Dance at Middlesex University in the UK,
funded by a prestigious CSC Programme scholarship. She also serves as a dedicated Dance
Lecturer at Wuhan Conservatory of Music (WHCM), where her innovative approach to
choreography and commitment to dance education have positioned her as a prominent
figure in the field. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as she plays an active role on
the Academic Committee for Dance in Hubei, serves as an examiner for dance programs in
colleges and universities, and is a valued member of the Chinese Dancers Association.
Dr. Zhou is an accomplished choreographer and filmmaker specializing in screendance. Over
the past decade, she has collaborated with artists from the UK, USA, Korea, Japan, Vietnam,
and other countries, establishing a dynamic international presence. Her works have been
showcased at esteemed festivals such as the Guangdong Dance Festival, the Shanghai
International Arts Festival, and many others across Asia, Europe, and North America. Notably,
she has received recognition for her artistic achievements, winning awards including the
Golden Phoenix Prize, the Best Choreographer Award, the Best Performance Award, and the
Creativity Award, underscoring her innovative contributions to the dance field.
A scholar of integrating cutting-edge technologies, Dr Zhou is known for incorporating virtual
reality and interactive elements into his choreography, creating immersive, multi-sensory
experiences that engage audiences and redefine the expressive power of contemporary
dance. Her research interests include contemporary dance, screen dance, and the use of
digital media in performance, focusing on pushing the boundaries of traditional dance by
blending it with digital and interactive platforms. Her work not only elevates the art form but
also inspires future dancers, choreographers, and educators to explore new intersections
between dance and technology, making an impact on the dance community both in China
and internationally

In Oct 2024, she was invited to join the Asian Art Association Singapore (Dance).

Research

Dr. Sangdi Zhou’s research in screendance is particularly centered on the convergence of digital media and choreographic practices, where she examines how film techniques enhance and transform the perception of dance. Her work frequently explores the integration of virtual reality (VR) elements in screendance, allowing her to investigate new spatial dimensions and interactive potentials in performance. By employing techniques such as immersive camera angles, layered editing, and digitally constructed environments, Dr. Zhou’s screendance projects push the boundaries of traditional dance documentation, creating dynamic experiences that engage viewers in both visual and emotional dimensions.

In her recent publications, she has analyzed the unique affordances of screendance in capturing nuanced expressions of movement that are difficult to convey in live performance, such as micro-expressions and intricate bodily gestures. Her work also discusses the impact of screendance on expanding the accessibility of dance, making performances available to a broader, international audience beyond the constraints of physical spaces. This aspect of her research often touches on the cultural exchange enabled by screendance, as she collaborates with artists and institutions globally, contributing to a cross-cultural dialogue in contemporary dance practices.

Honors

Dr. Sangdi Zhou is a prolific choreographer and filmmaker. She has collaborated with artists from the UK, USA, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and other places to dance all over the world.

She won the prize of Golden Phoenix (2021), Korea International Dance Competition (2022), etc. Her screendance works have been showcased at festivals across China and internationally, including the Guangdong Dance Festival and the Shanghai International Arts Festival. She is known for integrating virtual reality elements and interactive performance art into her choreography, creating immersive experiences for audiences. She focuses on contemporary dance, screen dance, and choreography

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